Buying guide for best electric trike
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An electric tricycle or e-trike is a lot like an electric bicycle, but with an extra wheel and a design that’s more stable for a rider. You don’t need to balance on an e-trike, or have to swing your leg over a high crossbar, as you would with a bike. Most importantly, an electric tricycle has an electric motor, powered by a rechargeable battery, that can kick in while you’re pedaling, making longer trips or more difficult slopes easier to tackle.
The best electric trikes are easy to use, easy to maintain, carry a nice amount of cargo and make your life a little easier. We at BestReviews have pored over the market for the best electric trikes, taking account of features, capabilities, top speed, battery capacity and reviews. We’re confident you’ll find an e-trike on our list suited for your budget, needs and lifestyle, like our top pick, the NARRAK Electric Tricycle.
Editors' picks for 2025
NARRAK Electric Tricycle
Best of the Best
Motor: 750-1,350 watt | Battery: 48V 13 Ah | Gears: 7 | Brakes: Hydraulic disc | Wheel Size: 20” x 4” | Frame Material: Aluminum | Max Capacity: 290 lb
Made by NARRAK, this easy-to-maneuver electric trike is packed with features that make riding smooth and fun. It’s powered by a 1,360-peak-watt motor that reaches speeds up to 20 miles per hour. The battery gets a full charge in about six hours and can go as far as 50 miles with each full charge. You’ll ride in comfort thanks to the cushioned seat, shock-absorbing suspension and wide tires.
We also appreciate that this trike’s tough aluminum frame can accommodate up to 290 pounds. The dual baskets are perfect for stashing items for your adventure or bringing home groceries from the store. When it’s time to slow down or stop, you can feel confident that the hydraulic disc brakes provide dependable performance in all types of road and weather conditions.
This model is easy to assemble, but NARRAK’s customer service is readily available when you have questions or need assistance. You’ll also love that the trike folds into a compact size, which makes it easy to transport and store.
Qlife Triker Electric Bike
Best Bang for the Buck
Motor: 750 watt | Battery: 468Wh | Gears: 1 | Brakes: Disc | Wheel Size: 20” x 2.1” | Frame Material: Carbon steel | Max Capacity: 400 lb
If you are looking for an electric trike that will fit a limited budget, check out the tough-yet-affordable Qlife Triker Electric Bike. Although the price is around $500, it offers features that trike enthusiasts love. What’s more, it’s lightweight and durable with an impressive 400-pound weight capacity, which makes it suitable for errand runs and pleasure rides.
This trike offers a reliable battery that gets up to a 50-mile range per charge and can reach a maximum speed of 16 miles per hour. At 750 watts, the brushless motor is capable yet quiet. The 20-inch wheels provide a smooth ride over different types of terrain while the disc brakes ensure you stop easily and safely. This model also has a shock-absorbing system and cushioned seat. Two baskets allow you to carry cargo on your travels.
Whether you have limited storage space or like to take your trike in your vehicle on road trips, you’ll find the folding frame fits your lifestyle. It’s made of rugged carbon steel that’s strong but lightweight, and folds in seconds to place in a garage corner or SUV trunk.
Soumye Electric Tricycle
Easy to Assemble
Motor: 350 Watt | Battery: 36V 10.4 Ah | Gears: 1 | Brakes: Disc | Wheel Size: 20” | Frame Material: High carbon steel | Max Capacity: 298 lb
If you’re looking for an electric trike that’s quick and easy to set up, the Soumye Electric Tricycle is for you. It arrives 90% preassembled and comes with all the necessary tools plus clear instructions on how to finish the job, so you can start riding in no time.
Featuring a sturdy high carbon steel frame, this 74-pound trike is capable of carrying a total of 260 pounds of combined rider and cargo weight. Its 350-watt front-drive motor and 36-volt, 10.4-amp-hour battery combine to give you 30-plus miles on a single charge or a top range of 40 miles with pedal assist and a top speed of 15.5 mph.
Another standout feature of this model is the vivid display that tracks distance, speed, battery life and more. Large tires make for a smooth ride, while the disc and parking brakes deliver excellent stopping power. It also comes with niceties like detachable front and rear baskets, a padded seat, and a headlight with reflector and taillight for safety. Plus, the frame folds up easily for storage.
Lectric e-Bikes Electric XP Trike
Best Folding Electric Trike for Adults
Motor: 500W rear drive | Battery: 48V, 14 Ah | Gears: Single-speed | Brakes: Hydraulic rotor front and rear | Wheel Size: 20” | Frame Material: Aluminum | Max Capacity: 415 lb
For those who need a trike that’s easy to fold and take on trips, we found the Lectric XP Trike to be the best. When folded up, it measures some 38 inches long and 30 inches wide and deep. It also has a low 13.8-inch stepover height, so it’s easy to get on and off. And unlike many e-trikes, the Lectric XP ships fully assembled, so you don’t need a tool set or a bike shop to put it together.
The Lectric has a 500-watt rear-drive motor powered by a 48-volt, 14-amp-hour battery. Those 500 watts are nominal, though; the motor’s peak power is actually 1,092 watts. Its battery has an estimated range of up to 60 miles, and takes four to six hours to fully charge. The XP Trike offers five levels of pedal assist and power-on-demand controlled by a familiar twist throttle. We also like that it packs a cadence sensor that gauges your pedaling pace to better control the motor’s assist.
The XP Trike boasts both front and rear hydraulic brakes for secure stopping power. For inexperienced riders, it offers a speed-limiting feature that constrains its speed to 5 mph; its full speed is 14 mph. With all those features plus a convenient fold-up design, this one is tough to beat for the price.
Rad Power RadTrike Electric Tricycle
Best Full-size Electric Trike for Seniors
Motor: 750W front drive | Battery: 48V, 480 Wh | Gears: Single-speed | Brakes: Front rotor | Wheel Size: 18” | Frame Material: Chromoly steel | Max Capacity: 415 lb
If you’re in need of an electric trike that’s sturdy, simple to operate and comes with plenty of great features, the RadTrike from Rad Power Bikes is it. We like that it packs a 750-watt brushless front-drive motor paired with a 48-volt, 480-watt-hour battery to last some 20 to 55 miles per charge. And with 18-inch wheels and a frame made of chromoly steel, it can carry a total load of 415 pounds.
The front-wheel motor of the RadTrike creates a pulling effect when the motor engages. Its single-speed gearing is aimed at simplicity and cruising down paths and city or suburban roads, making it great for trips to the store. The RadTrike comes with a front mechanical disc brake plus a rear coaster brake for added control. It has a cushioned seat with height-adjustable backrest but no suspension.
The RadTrike is intended for a top speed of only 14 mph, which might seem constraining but is plenty to serve you well for getting out and about. It offers five levels of pedal assist controlled by a half-twist throttle for convenient control. The RadTrike ships disassembled and things like racks and baskets cost extra. However, if comfort, stability and ease of use are your main objectives, you couldn’t ask for anything more.
Addmotor Arisetan II M-360 Semi-Recumbent Electric Trike
Best Recumbent Electric Trike
Motor: 750W front drive | Battery: 48V, 20 Wh | Gears: Seven-speed | Brakes: Front and rear rotor | Wheel Size: 20” | Frame Material: Aluminum alloy | Max Capacity: 380 lb
One of the pricier models on our list, the Addmotor Arisetan II M-360 is a recumbent trike, which many people find more comfortable than the upright position of most e-trikes or the forward hunch of a bike. With its literal laid-back design and fat 4-inch-wide tires, the Arisetan II looks like it’s built for cruising the boardwalk or the resort course.
It packs a 750-watt brushless rear-drive motor and a 48-volt, 20-amp-hour battery with an impressive estimated range of 85 miles per charge at its lowest pedal-assist level. That rear-drive motor runs a differential axle for better handling, stability and traction even at higher speeds. It uses a mid-drive torque sensor near the pedals to adjust its speed to match your pedaling. And it boasts a seven-speed gear system and a twist-grip throttle for its motor.
The Arisetan II comes with a rear basket, although its size is slightly constrained by the inclined backrest that also comes standard. It’s a big trike, measuring almost 7 feet long and nearly 3 feet wide at the rear wheels, with a tall standover height of 26.7 inches, so keep that in mind. It comes with a backlit LCD screen, a horn, and front and rear lights. If you like the recumbent design, this is for you.
Key considerations
Electric trikes are very similar to e-bikes, third wheel notwithstanding. When shopping for an e-trike, it’s smart to know about the specs, numbers and features you’re likely to come across.
Pedaling and motors
What sets apart an e-trike from a three-wheeled motorcycle or motor trike is operational pedals. Generally speaking, an e-trike always features pedal-powered or pedal-assisted propulsion. It’s assumed that you’ll use the pedals almost all of the time. Most e-trike motors won’t even start unless you start pedaling. This sets e-trikes apart from motor-only vehicles like electric mobility scooters.
E-trikes provide multiple levels of assistance from the motor. For example, the Lectric XP Trike offers five levels of pedal assist and a cadence sensor that applies assistance depending on how fast you’re pedaling.
E-trikes also give you the option for using the motor alone for short periods. This is controlled by a throttle usually located on a handlebar just as with a motorcycle. Using motor power alone depletes your battery faster, but it’s a great option if you want to rest for a while without stopping, or want the motor to handle that slope up the driveway.
Motor placement
An e-trike’s motor can either be front-mounted, rear-mounted or mid-drive.
Front-mounted motors are located in the front wheel and drive the trike from that location; it’s a little like the front wheel is pulling the rest of the trike along.
Rear-mounted motors are located in the back wheels and provide rear-wheel drive. This is particularly useful when going uphill.
Mid-drive motors are located near the pedals and gearbox and add power to the drive chain. This location adds power at the same spot where you pedal, making for a more integrated boost.
Volts and watts
When shopping for an e-trike, you’ll see values given for motors and batteries in watts and volts.
Watts usually tells you how powerful the motor is. The higher the wattage, the more powerful your motor — and the more it can boost you while riding. In the United States, the top limit for an e-bike or e-trike’s motor is 750 watts (1 horsepower). Above that you’re in motorcycle or moped territory.
Volts refer to your e-trike’s battery. The higher the voltage value, the longer or faster you can go. Sometimes you’ll see the battery’s voltage value combined with multiples of time, such as ampere hours (Ah) or watt hours (Wh). This tells you how much voltage your battery can deliver per a period of time.
Speed and range
Your e-trike’s maximum speed and top range are two other specs to consider.
Speed: E-trikes generally have a top motor speed of 15 to 20 mph. If that sounds low, remember that most people can pedal a traditional bike only up to 10 or 15 mph, and that’s with a lot of effort. An e-trike’s motor takes some of that effort away, so you can feel like you’re pedaling at an easy 5 mph while going 15. You can achieve higher speeds than 20 mph by combining hard pedaling with motor assistance.
Range: This refers to how far your e-trike can go on a single charge. Range depends greatly on how much you’re willing to pedal versus how much motor assistance you use. The more you pedal, the farther you can go on a single charge. In general, e-trikes can range from 20 to 45 miles on a single charge.
Charging
An e-trike may take from two to seven hours to charge. Most e-bikes and e-trikes now run on lithium-ion batteries, which charge quickly, often up to 80%, within the first two hours, but charge more slowly after that due to how lithium-ion battery chemistry works. As with other lithium-ion batteries, like in your smartphone or laptop, similar rules of thumb apply: never let your e-trike battery fully empty, avoid charging in the heat and charge your e-trike frequently. E-trikes generally plug into household AC and often handle outlet voltage from 100 to 240 volts.
Weight capacity
A big benefit of an e-trike over an e-bike is that it can haul a sizeable load for you. The maximum load of an e-trike can be measured either as a total load, including the rider and any cargo, or separately with a maximum rider weight plus a cargo weight. A common maximum-load value is 350 pounds for rider and cargo combined; however, some e-trikes have total max-load weights of 400 pounds or more, and over 500 pounds for two-seater trikes.
Features
Frame
The frame of most e-trikes are commonly made of steel or aluminum alloy. Steel alloy frames are strong but heavy. Aluminum frames are lighter.
If you have limited mobility or range of motion, or just want an easier time getting on and off your trike, look for a trike with a step-through frame. These trikes have a low or absent crossbar that lets you step easily across the frame, almost like a scooter, rather than having to throw your leg across it like a bicycle or motorcycle.
To determine if the frame is right for you, look for the step-over or stand-over height when shopping for an e-trike. This gives you the maximum height you’ll have to cross over when using it.
Seating and storage
E-trikes typically come with saddle seats like those of bicycles and motorcycles, although bench-type seating can be found on two-person models. For added comfort, some models offer wider saddles with included backrests, but these sometimes cost extra.
Recumbent e-trikes go even further and feature a design that lets you recline with the pedals forward of your center of gravity. Suspension for the seat helps deliver a smoother riding experience.
If you regularly use your trike to go shopping, you will need a basket of some kind on your trike, which on some brands may not be included with the base price. Options range from small front-mounted baskets to large rear baskets. Frequent commuters may want to look into some kind of covered storage option for inclement weather.
Size and portability
If you’re looking for an e-trike to take with you on road trips, look for a model that folds or partially disassembles and reassembles to fit into your car trunk. Some folding e-trikes can even fit through standard door frames, but check the weight if you need to lug it up and down stairs.
Can you check your e-trike on a plane, like many people do with their two-wheel e-bikes? It depends. In the U.S., the Transportation Security Administration leaves it up to individual airlines whether to accept certain sporting equipment like e-bikes. Lithium-ion batteries are a dangerous fire hazard and can’t go in checked baggage, while even some of the folding, portable e-trikes still weigh well over most airlines’ 50-pound maximum limit for checked bags. Be prepared to pay for oversized cargo and take the battery with you into the cabin.
Gears and brakes
Gears: E-trikes, like e-bikes, come with either single-speed or multispeed gears. Single-speed gears are simple to use and maintain; they work well on flat and predictable rides, such as commuting on urban or suburban streets. Multispeed gears, as bike aficionados know, help you deal with different terrain and conditions, like hills, sand and dirt paths. E-trikes with multispeed gears often boast a seven-speed system.
Brakes: E-trikes typically use disc brakes rather than lightweight caliper-style brakes. Disc brakes are stronger and perform better in changing conditions than caliper brakes, especially considering that an e-trike is already heavier than a bicycle and may be carrying cargo. An e-trike may offer mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes, placed on the front, rear or all three wheels.
Safety features
Mirrors
A pair of rearview mirrors help you see behind you and give you better situational awareness. E-trikes often don’t come with mirrors installed, but some brands offer mirror accessory sets you can install at an additional cost.
Lamps, lights and reflectors
E-trikes often come with a headlamp, but they may not really be bright enough to light your path in the dark. You need at least 250 lumens for an effective headlamp. E-trike lamps are better at letting other people, especially drivers in motor vehicles, know you’re there. Rear lights and reflectors also help keep you visible to drivers, and some models offer brake lights.
Battery lock
E-bike batteries can be pretty attractive to thieves, and e-trike batteries are no different. Locking batteries helps make it harder for thieves to make off with your trike’s battery.
Other features
- Fat tire trikes typically handle wet or muddy roads better than traditional models, and they rear drive better than they front drive.
- Suspension for the seat will give you a more comfortable ride. Suspension for the frame, while not common, will give you better handling on rough tracks.
- An included display provides all kinds of useful information, such as battery power remaining, speed, distance and time.
Electric trike prices
You can find e-trikes costing below $1,000, but the sweet spot for solid brand-name trikes starts at around $1,500 and goes up to $2,500. These mid-range bikes come from reputable e-bike brands with loyal customer followings and offer solid performance and plenty of added features and impressive innovations. The high end of the e-trike market goes to $3,000 and above for single-seaters and $5,000 and up for two-seaters.
Tips
- A battery that sits in the hot sun will lose power more quickly, so park in the shade whenever possible.
- Under-inflated tires increase drag, making the motor work harder.
- Electric motors are more efficient with a full charge. Topping up regularly does no harm; it’s a good idea to do so after each trip.
- Just like in your car, if you keep your trike on full throttle, you’ll empty the tank quicker. Back off to maximize journey distance.
How we analyzed
We researched this article by consulting e-bike and e-trike enthusiast websites for their top picks, then collating those and researching each brand and model for reputation, reliability, features and pricing. We also checked the laws pertaining to e-bikes and e-trikes in different jurisdictions. Our picks impressed us most with their features, brand reputation and positive reviews from both professional outlets and customers.
FAQ
Q. What laws impact electric trikes?
A. In the United States, electric tricycles are regulated as electric bicycles under the Consumer Product Safety Act, which was amended in 2002 to specifically refer to “low-power electric bicycles.” Under this definition, e-bikes and e-trikes are two- or three-wheeled vehicles equipped with “fully-operable” pedals and electric motors less than 750 watts in power (equivalent to 1 horsepower) with an upper speed limit of 20 miles per hour.
U.S. states have varying regulations for e-bikes and e-trikes. For example, Alaska treats e-bikes the same as motorcycles and requires a license and registration to operate them. Many states, however, have adopted a three-class definition for e-cycles, depending on how they work, how much power they have and how fast they can go.
- Class 1 cycles provide motor assistance only during pedaling.
- Class 2 cycles have a throttle for pedal-free operation and top out at 20 mph.
- Class 3 cycles reach 28 mph and often may be classified as motorcycles or mopeds.
Class 1 and 2 cycles are typically permitted on bike paths and trails and usually don’t require licenses or registration, while Class 3 cycles do. Most e-trikes are sold to conform to these cycle classes, and you’ll probably see their classification when you’re shopping.
Q. Can I ride an electric trike in the rain?
A. E-trikes have water-resistant connectors, cables and housing for their electric components, so getting wet is seldom a problem. Some fat-tire models are even promoted for their ability in rain, mud or snow. However, front-wheel-drive electric bikes can suffer from wheel spin in damp conditions.
Q. Do I need to wear a helmet on an electric trike?
A. Laws on this point vary from state to state. However, it’s just plain common sense to do so, regardless of the law. An accident at 20 miles per hour could easily prove fatal without a helmet.
Q. What are the disadvantages of using an electric trike?
A. E-trikes certainly won’t fulfill your need for speed. They are heavier than e-bikes or purely pedal-powered tricycles. They also have a tendency of tipping when turning corners at a high speed, forcing you to slow down when turning if you want to be cautious. Additionally, the battery of an e-trike can be dangerous if tampered with or misused.
Q. How long do electric-trike batteries last before needing to be replaced?
A. Like other lithium-ion batteries, e-trike batteries tend to have an effective lifetime of three to five years. As you’ve probably learned regarding your smartphone battery, lithium-ion batteries have only so many charge cycles before they lose the ability to charge fully and hold on to that charge. If your battery conks out in half the time or less even if you’ve had it charging for a full two to seven hours, you probably need a new one.
